Commander Fury

Today, we finally unveiled a first look at Borderlands 4. The trailer, which debuted during The Game Awards, is just the first taste of the mayhem that awaits you on the new planet of Kairos! Play Video This First Look features our new cast of Vault Hunters as they tear their way across Kairos, a deadly new world brimming with bloodthirsty beasts—and even a couple of familiar faces. It also reveals The Timekeeper, Borderlands 4’s primary antagonist who rules over Kairos from on high. For some background on how we got here, our Official Teaser Trailer showcased the cataclysmic arrival of Pandora’s Moon, Elpis, in the atmosphere above the previously hidden world Kairos. The collision tore a hole in the protective barrier surrounding the planet, raining down meteorites and bandit masks. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Now, years later, these events have given rise to a horde known as the Rippers, led by their terrifying Queen, Callis. In the trailer we see them face down The Timekeeper and his army of synthetic soldiers, known as The Order. By the time the Vault Hunters crash land on Kairos, the planet is a powder keg waiting to explode. You know what comes next—full-scale Borderlands Mayhem. If you can’t tell already, Borderlands 4 is the most ambitious Borderlands to date, lovingly hand-crafted by the team that created the looter-shooter genre. Not only are we evolving the franchise’s signature looter-shooter gameplay in new ways, but we’re dead-set on delivering the quintessential Borderlands experience that fans know and love. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Jam-packed with more loot than ever, free-form combat and exploration, large-scale boss battles, and unforgettable characters new and old, we can’t wait to show you what the world of Kairos has in store for you and your co-op crew. Borderlands 4 features two-player local splitscreen co-op, or up to four players online, supporting however you want to play! So get ready to gather your friends, gear up on loot, and take the fight to the authoritarian Timekeeper in Borderlands 4. And be sure to keep an eye out for our gameplay debut in early 2025! View the full article

After announcing Midnight Murder Club, our newest multiplayer game and a Top 50 Most-Played Demo of Steam Next Fest, the number one question we’ve gotten over the last six months after a handful of betas is, “When is this coming to consoles??” After staying quiet (hiding in a dark corner of Wormwood Manor), we’re thrilled to finally announce that we’re partnering with Sony Interactive Entertainment to bring Midnight Murder Club to PS5! Play Video We have a crossplay beta that you can download and play right now*, and we’re excited to share that we’ll be launching the game in Early Access on PS5 and Steam in February 2025. Put on your mask, grab your flashlight and revolver, and quietly step into the shadows of Wormwood Manor for some tense and hilarious fun with your friends. Midnight Murder Club is a six-player shooter-in-the-dark set in a sprawling, pitch-black mansion, where the only light you ever see comes from a flashlight piercing the darkness or gunfire piercing your heart. Turning your flashlight on lets you see which of the 30+ elaborately decorated rooms you’re currently in, but it also gives away your position to enemies who might be hiding close by. It’s the ultimate game of flashlight tag. When you can’t rely entirely on sight, sound becomes that much more important. Midnight Murder Club has detailed positional audio, which we paired with a fantastic implementation of proximity chat for a truly immersive experience. If your teammate’s speaking to you in the main hall, their voice echoes realistically through the hall and into the surrounding rooms. When a gunfight breaks out in another part of the mansion, you can accurately follow the muffled player laughter and gunfire to point you in the direction of the action. It’s like you’re actually in the mansion! In a game where using all of your senses matters, working with Sony Interactive Entertainment to bring DualSense wireless controller-specific features to both PS5 and Steam was the obvious choice. While stumbling around in the inky black mansion, the DualSense controller adds an unprecedented sense of touch to the game when you bump into something. Running your hand along the wall to keep your bearings, bumping into a suit of armor, and struggling to open a door as you escape gunfire is brought to life like never before thanks to the DualSense wireless controller. To further immerse you in the mansion, we use adaptive triggers to give weight to every click of your flashlight and every pull of your trigger. To further spice things up, find vending machines that give you access to a variety of devilish toys. Take night vision pills to temporarily see in the dark, deploy an inflatable flashlight-holding mannequin to fool other players, tear through the shadows with a torrent of bullets from a machine gun, and more! Midnight Murder Club has a handful of different game modes that will be available in the full release, and you can try two of them in the crossplay beta that’s available now: Free-for-All – Six people enter the mansion, and the player with the most kills when time runs out wins. Thief in the Night – Three teams of two scour the mansion for valuable skulls to deposit into a vault. When the last vault closes, the team with the most money wins. The crossplay demo is available on PS5 and Steam, and it’ll be live through December 22. Check it out with your friends, then join our Discord to let us know what you think. Stay tuned for more info as we work toward an Early Access release of Midnight Murder Club in February 2025! See you in the shadows… *Account for PlayStation™Network and internet connection required. View the full article

Enter a world of shadows where nothing is sacred and no one is trustworthy, where anything not bolted down is a treasure or a threat, and where only the clever survive. Welcome to Thick As Thieves, coming to PS5 in 2026. Play Video Hello from the team at Otherside Entertainment! Thick As Thieves is a multiplayer stealth-action game inspired by immersive classics like Thief and Deus Ex. Our studio founders Warren Spector and Paul Neurath established the genre making these games we grew up with. We adore the feeling of being a master thief, lurking in the shadows, and exploring the living worlds of these games. But, we also want to explore these worlds together. So, we began Thick As Thieves with this captivating idea of “thief vs. thief” where you weren’t just stealing from rich lords, but against other players in high-stakes, high-tension stealth duels. You take on the role of a master thief engaged on perilous missions to steal wealth, earn prestige, and escape with your skin intact. You are an agent of the Thieves Guild, a shady criminal order that outfits you, sanctions your runs, and bails you out if you get caught. Every night you step out onto the rooftops with a mission, a plan, and a fiendish bag of tricks. Are you going to be the ace performer, stealing the big treasure and climbing the Guild ladder? Are you going to be the opportunist, filling your pockets with gems and jewels while your rivals tear each other apart? Or have you got a deeper motive that pulls you into the shadows, following the clues to reveal your story? Your thief’s way is always personal: which tools you select and how you tune them, whether you prefer to go in from above or below, loud or quiet, with a song or with a fist, every thief’s approach can be unique. As you complete runs and earn cash and prestige, you grow your thief’s abilities and their career. Gain access to new gear and abilities, then customize them to your tastes. Try a new loadout each time, tailoring your approach to the challenges you expect to face. Mastery of a wide range of stealthy skills is critical to success as mission variation and emergence mean every run is a fresh challenge. Your arena is the dirty, decadent city of Ordene – brimming with gold for the taking. It’s an ancient metropolis at the dawn of the 20th century in a world where magic is real, industry is booming, society is restless, and everyone is looking out for themselves. Danger and opportunity lie around every corner, and only the cunning can find a way through the hazards to score the big prize. You’ll meet a cast of curious characters from corrupt nobles to shrewd commoners to mysterious vagrants who might not be fully human. Many are dangerous only if they give you away, but some are on the Guild’s payroll and can aid you in your endeavors … for a price. Guards patrol the streets and the halls of the rich and powerful, and they won’t hesitate to attack if they catch you on their turf. Security is always tight and often supernatural – a guard can be put down, but an electric trap or enchanted eye never sleeps. You’ll need plenty of skill and good tools, but above all you’ll need caution and careful observation. Search for clues on what to steal and where to find it. Learn the weak points in enemy patrols, the windows left unlocked, the shadows and hiding places. Speed is important, but knowledge is vital. Your rivals are other master thieves, each with their own particular traits and tactics. The Guild doesn’t mind if you get in each other’s way – violently, even – as long as someone brings home the goods. This above all is the heart of Thick As Thieves – the most intense game of Hide and Seek you’ve ever played. A clever thief can defeat guards, disarm traps, bypass locks, and lay their hands on the golden idol only to hear padded footsteps behind them and the hiss of a gas grenade signaling their unfortunate end as another thief steals their haul. If you’re able to outwit your rivals and fool the guards, then all that precious treasure is yours for the taking. Fill your pockets with as many gems and trinkets as you can carry. But even if you’re knocked out or just come home with empty pockets, there’s always another heist to be had. Every night is your chance to prove that you’re the greatest thief in town when Thick As Thieves launches in 2026 on PS5. View the full article

Hi everyone, on behalf of The Game Kitchen, we’re thrilled to finally reveal the project we’ve worked on for the past two years, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. A collaboration with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, into which we’re pouring our hearts and souls. Play Video When Dotemu first approached the studio with the possibility of developing a new entry in this legendary saga, the news was received with incredible excitement. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that couldn’t be missed. While creating the concept, we approached the franchise with a deep appreciation for its significance as a landmark in the action genre during two distinct eras: the late ’80s and the early 2000s. Both the classic 2D and modern 3D iterations stood out for their exceptional quality, offering tight gameplay, striking visuals, memorable music, and captivating storytelling. The series has left a lasting impact on players and continues to inspire developers, including our team: a diverse group spanning generations who grew up with Ninja Gaiden. In this presentation post, we’d like to introduce two members of the Ragebound team and share how Ninja Gaiden’s legacy has shaped their work from unique perspectives. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Raúl Vivar, the lead animator of our project, is the talent behind bringing The Penitent One to life in Blasphemous I and II. As a child of the ’80s, Raúl grew up amidst the Western ninja craze and has been a passionate fan ever since. His first encounter with Ninja Gaiden was in the local arcades, where he was captivated by the detailed graphics and the vast array of moves Ryu could perform, making him feel like a true ninja warrior. When our project was announced, Raúl was so moved that he shed tears of joy. When it came to defining the art style, Raúl explains that high-quality pixel art was the obvious choice, given the series’ roots and The Game Kitchen’s prior experience. However, capturing the perfect mood required thoughtful effort. Transitioning from the somber, baroque dark fantasy of Blasphemous to the vibrant, action-packed world of Ninja Gaiden called for a brighter aesthetic. This meant incorporating flashier colors and cleaner shapes inspired by the dynamic feel of ’90s anime. A key step in the process was studying the original game sprites and reimagining them in higher resolution, unrestricted by palette limitations, to achieve the ideal look. Animating the playable character was also a challenging endeavor, as Raúl had to capture the fluidity and speed of a ninja with a level of detail, smoothness, and pixel art quality never seen before in the series’ 2D entries. Oriol Tartarin, one of the game designers on the project, has been collaborating closely with Raúl to define the player’s actions and bring the characters to life. Oriol’s first encounter with Ninja Gaiden was on the PS3, watching his older cousin play. He was mesmerized by the feats of skill his cousin could perform with the controller, sparking his own desire to dive into the game. The relentless action and fluid combat that pushes players to move forward with a rhythm that feels like dancing through the stage became a foundational inspiration for crafting the gameplay in this new iteration. Building on this inspiration, Oriol focused on designing a player experience that captures the classic Ninja Gaiden games’ fast-paced, hack-and-slash platforming action, while incorporating modern, sophisticated combat mechanics. The goal was to create a seamless flow where players could chain offensive moves and evasions without interruption, resulting in a dynamic, ninja-like spectacle. Moving effortlessly across the stage, whether on the ground, walls, or in the air was crucial to the design. Combined with input predictability and immediate responsiveness, this freedom of movement allowed the team to create combat scenarios that keep players constantly in motion. The result is a dynamic design that rewards precision and momentum, ensuring a rhythm that constantly drives the action forward. Both Raúl and Oriol agree that one of the greatest challenges during development has been animating the player while staying true to these design pillars. The difficulty lay in creating fluid and detailed pixel art animations that, on the one hand, faithfully depict the signature moves of a Hayabusa ninja while, on the other, responding instantly to the player’s intentions in every single frame. This required considering all possible move cancellations and creating seamless transitions between actions, ensuring smooth combinations throughout every possible move. Achieving the right game feel has involved a lot of back-and-forth, adjusting animations, timings, and mechanics to strike the perfect balance between satisfying responsiveness and breathtaking spectacle. Creating a new 2D installment in such a renowned saga is a beautiful and demanding challenge. However, with such a strong foundation to build on and a well-established team that shares a deep love for the series, this journey has been incredibly rewarding. We hope that fans feel as excited as we do to see the legacy of Ninja Gaiden live on in this new chapter. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound will be available for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the Summer of 2025. View the full article

Thirteen years ago, Day of the Devs came together to celebrate the beauty of indie video games. Since then, we have had the incredible opportunity to shine a light on hundreds of unique and creative games through our in-person events and digital showcases, all for free at no cost to developers or attendees/viewers. This year, we made the transition to being a fully independent 501c3 non-profit, allowing us to continue our passion for supporting game developers and the magical stories they’re telling. Today, we hosted our Day of the Devs: The Game Awards Edition showcase, and we’re excited to share some of the wonderful titles from the showcase that are coming to PlayStation. Bionic Bay Play Video Developed by Mureena & Psychoflow, Bionic Bay features stunning high-detail pixel art, tight and precise platforming, and chaotic physics-based gameplay, tasking players to escape an ancient biomechanical world filled with imaginative technology and deadly traps. Bionic Bay features an innovative swap mechanic and realistic physics system that, when combined, offer a new way for players to interact with their environment, from shifting gravity to interchanging positions with objects or adversaries to move, defend, or attack as they make their way through the map. Speaking of environments, Bionic Bay features an ancient, biomechanical world teeming with imaginative devices, mysterious technology, and peculiar inhabitants, all while immersing players into the different biomes with gritty, high-density pixel art style and suspenseful sound design. Bionic Bay announced today during the showcase that it will be released on PlayStation March 13, 2025. inKonbini: One Store. Many Stories. Step into the shoes of Makoto Hayakawa to spend a week behind the counter at an authentic small-town convenience store in this meditative third-person single-player title. Discover joy and wonder hidden behind the daily routine, engage in meaningful conversations with your customers, and see how their stories intertwine in a beautifully rendered early 1990s. inKonbini: One Store. Many Stories. Features a relaxing, narrative-driven experience focusing on a diverse cast of characters with their distinct personalities, buying habits, and little quirks that make each encounter memorable. Players can experience a deep and conversational branching storyline with multiple dialogue options, with the Japanese concept of ‘ichi-go, ichi-e (one time, one meeting) at the heart of the experience when this moving indie comes to PlayStation in the future. Ultimate Sheep Raccoon Ultimate Sheep Raccoon is a bike-racing party game where you and your friends build a course of ramps, obstacles, and traps! Dodge hazards, do crazy tricks, and use power-ups to get ahead of the competition. Pedal to victory with up to 8 players locally, online, and cross-platform. Race to victory through a mayhem-filled obstacle course of deadly traps you’ve built with friends while pulling off sick tricks! Developer Clever Endeavour Games announced during the showcase that this mayhem-filled bike racing party game will be coming to PlayStation in the future. View the full article

Experience the exhilarating platforming speeds of Sonic Frontiers, the magical and nimble traversal of Forspoken, the delightful chaos of Rabbids, and the realistic rally simulation of WRC Generations. These games and more form December’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup* and are available to play from December 17. Joining that lineup on PlayStation Plus Premium is immersive PS VR2 experience Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge. Three timeless classics have also joined PlayStation Plus Premium just yesterday: Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves and Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. Finally, in case you missed it, PlayStation Portal released a system update that allows PlayStation Plus Premium members to test Cloud Streaming (Beta) for select PS5 games on Game Catalog. Learn more here. PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sonic Frontiers | PS4, PS5 Worlds are colliding in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest high-speed adventure. Uncover the mysteries of an ancient civilisation plagued by robotic hordes. In search of the missing Chaos emeralds, Sonic becomes stranded on an island teeming with unusual creatures. Battle hordes of powerful enemies as you explore a breath-taking world of action, adventure and mystery. Accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high-velocity, open-zone platforming freedom as you race across the five massive Starfall Islands. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Forspoken | PS5 Forspoken is an action RPG that follows the journey of Frey, a young New Yorker transported to the beautiful and cruel land of Athia. In search of a way home, Frey must use her newfound magical abilities to traverse sprawling landscapes, battle monstrous creatures and defeat powerful matriarchs known as Tantas. Explore the vibrant realms of Athia, a striking land of remarkable vistas and otherworldly creatures brought to life through stunning graphics and cutting-edge technology. Scale walls, vault across canyons, leap from dizzying heights, and dash through vast landscapes. Frey’s unique abilities allow her to fluidly traverse the open world with ease. Take on twisted monsters in magical combat with numerous types of powerful abilities catering to a variety of playstyles – from fast-paced and exhilarating to strategic and methodical. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Rabbids: Party of Legends | PS4 Embark on a legendary journey filled with colorful characters with the Rabbids in this uproarious party game. Gather with friends and family and jump into multiplayer mayhem with up to four players locally, sometimes partnering up and at other times, going head-to-head in a multitude of ridiculously fun mini-games. Anyone can get in on the action with customizable difficulty levels and intuitive controls. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image WRC Generations | PS4, PS5 Rise to the challenges of the most comprehensive, realistic and demanding rally simulation ever developed. Dive into the heart of the action and drive the cars from the WRC championship, including the new hybrid models. The hybrid era is a revolution for the rally world, significantly affecting performance, changing strategies and making drivers and teams adapt. In terms of gameplay, new mechanics have been integrated to represent the demands of the hybrid engines. In order to win, you have to carefully manage your battery by adapting your engine mapping throughout the special stages you take part in. For fans of competition, Leagues mode lets players challenge opponents with a similar level online. Finish ahead of your competitors to move up the ladder in the Legends category. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch | PS4, PS5 Diesel-punk exploratory platformer F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is filled with intense combat, challenging puzzles and an anthropomorphic cast of vibrant characters. After the animals of Torch City were defeated by the invading Robotic Legion in the Resistance War six years ago, former Resistance fighter Rayton the rabbit has kept a low profile. The arrest of a friend meant he had no choice but to put on his giant metal fist and fight against those oppressing him. Little did he know that he would soon be caught up in a maelstrom of conspiracies involving the Legion, the Resistance, and the Rat Gang. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Jurassic World Evolution 2 | PS4, PS5 Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s ground-breaking 2018 management simulation. Experience exciting new features, four engaging game modes and an expanded roster of awe-inspiring dinosaurs. Immerse yourself in a compelling and original Jurassic World narrative set after the earth-shattering events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Work alongside iconic characters from the films, including Dr. Ian Malcolm (voiced by Jeff Goldblum) and Claire Dearing (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) and lead the efforts to control, conserve and contain wild dinosaurs now rampaging across the USA. Avoid the mistakes of the past and build your own Jurassic World for dinosaurs and visitors alike. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Coffee Talk | PS4, PS5 Coffee Talk is a game where you listen to people’s problems and help them by serving warm drinks made from the ingredients you have in stock. Immerse yourself in the stories of alternative-Seattle inhabitants, ranging from a dramatic love story between an elf and a succubus, an alien trying to understand humans’ lives, and many others modern readers will find strongly echo the world around them. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly | PS4, PS5 It’s time to revisit your favorite late-night coffee shop and reconnect with your fantasy friends over a warm drink or two. Set in an alternate present-day Seattle where humans, orcs, elves, and other races have been coexisting since the beginning of time, you are a barista who listens to their stories and influences their hearts with a warm cup of coffee or two. It’s raining outside, brew yourself a warm drink, play some lo-fi chillhop beats, and listen to the coffee talk. In a time where people are isolated from each other, Coffee Talk is a place where we can reconnect over a cup of warm drink. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image A Space for the Unbound | PS4, PS5 A Space for the Unbound is a slice-of-life adventure game with beautiful pixel art set in the late 90s rural Indonesia that tells a story about overcoming anxiety, depression, and the relationship between a boy and a girl with supernatural powers. Follow two high school sweethearts, Atma and Raya, on a journey of self-discovery at the end of their high school years. When a mysteriously supernatural power is suddenly unleashed threatening their existence, they must explore and investigate their town to uncover hidden secrets, face the end of the world, and perhaps learn more about each other. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image PHOGS | PS4 Play as a duo of dogs linked by a stretchy belly in a captivating, puzzle-filled adventure. You’ll need to bark, bite and bounce your way through obstacles set across the themed worlds of Food, Sleep and Play. Supporting single-player and shared-controller gameplay, plus local and online co-op, Red and Blue are always ready to play! View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Biped | PS4, PS5 Biped is a co-op action-adventure game that emphasizes real-time collaboration between two players. Guide Aku and Sila, two charming bipedal robots, through intricate paths leading to planetary beacons. Using two sticks to control each robot’s legs, you can perform a variety of moves—from walking and sliding to operating machinery and cutting wood. Communicate and coordinate to overcome challenges together and discover how well you work as a team. PlayStation Plus Premium View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sly 2: Band of Thieves | PS4, PS5 Sly and the gang are back! Originally released in 2004 on PlayStation 2, Sly 2: Band of Thieves is now enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. They’re ready to pull off the biggest job of their lives, yet! Journey around the world and beat the Klaww Gang at their own game. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves | PS4, PS5 Set one year after the events of Band of Thieves, and releasing on PS2 the following year, Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves brings the thieving gang back together for its greatest heist ever! Your favorite characters return as well as new playable specialists like Carmelita Fox and the Guru. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | PS4, PS5 Naughty Dog’s iconic duo started in 2001 with Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy on PlayStation 2. Here’s the deal: Daxter’s had a bit of an accident. He’s now much smaller, cuter, furrier and mouthier. In short, he’s now an Ottsel. When Daxter turns to best pal Jak for help – the daring double act sets off to find a cure, and winds up on an adventure packed with cool combat, radical vehicles and loads of cheeky humor. But fixing Daxter’s “problem” will be far from easy – especially with an army of baddies, evil masterminds and world-ending plots in the way… View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge | PS VR2 Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge is a VR FPS experience where you step into the role of a Droid Repair Technician. After an emergency crash landing, you’ll embark on thrilling missions in the Batuu wilds, confront the Guavian Death Gang, infiltrate a First Order facility and journey through different eras of the galaxy. Become a Jedi in the Temple of Darkness, train with your padawan in The Sacred Garden, or even take on a bounty as assassin droid IG-88 in The Bounty of Boggs Triff… all in your own unforgettable Star Wars story. *PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. View the full article

Hi everyone, this is Yosuke Futami, producer for Synduality Echo of Ada. We can’t wait for all the Drifters to begin exploring Amasia in their Cradlecoffin mech with their trusty Magus partner by their side when the Open Network Test starts tomorrow! If you’re new to Synduality, the game takes place in the year 2222. Toxic rain wiped out most of humanity and gave birth to horrible, deformed monsters called Enders. The remnants of humanity are forced to live underground, scavenging the surface for resources in the safety of a Cradlecoffin – a bipedal mech around 20 feet tall. Of course, the mechs are incredibly difficult for humans alone to pilot, so each Drifter is paired with an AI companion called a Magus. In the game, the Magus will be both a physical companion and a digital projection to help you out during combat. Explore the ruins of Amasia for important resources to help upgrade your base facilities, buy or craft stronger Cradlecoffin parts, and help humanity survive. Just like in the anime, your Magus partner will be your most important companion and the only one you can truly trust in the world of Amasia. Your AI companion will learn and grow with you, helping you identify important parts on the map if you’re hunting resources, or with ideal ambush points if you’re hunting other Drifters. Part of the fun with Synduality is not knowing what kind of Drifters will be exploring the surface at the same time as you – maybe you’ll get lucky, and everyone decides to cooperate to harvest valuable resources and bring down difficult enemies together. Or perhaps one of the top bounties will show up looking to clean up other Cradlecoffins and take their hard-earned resources for themselves. During the Closed Network Test earlier this year, we saw a few Drifters safely make it to the extraction elevator only to have one turn on the group and take his former companions’ loot for his own. I’d like to reiterate my point that your Magus is the only person you can truly trust in Synduality Echo of Ada. Speaking of the previous Closed Network Test, our development team has been hard at work making improvements to the game. As an extraction shooter, there are some important core gameplay mechanics newcomers might not be aware of, so we’ve included a robust tutorial for players when they first start the game. And because Synduality Echo of Ada is an online game, reducing player lag during raids was our chief concern. We’ve been working hard on weapon balancing and PvE balancing as well, so please join us in the Open Network Test to be able to provide your own feedback! We had a lot of interesting user feedback from our previous Closed Network Test and survey responses from participants that were incredibly helpful to us as developers making sure that Synduality Echo of Ada launches in its best form. One other thing that was revealed today is the game’s solo missions. We included a PvE element for players to be able to learn more about the backstory of Synduality – why the underground city of Amasia collapsed, and the Drifter and Magus that were involved. The single player missions won’t put any player equipment at risk, but likewise you won’t be able to keep any weapons you find. Players will also encounter special enemies and have to manage their resources more in these missions. Find logs and records that together will tell the story of Amasia through cut scenes, audio logs, and more in the full game at launch. This time around in the Open Network Test (starting tomorrow!) there are more garage options, Magus options and costumes, and weapons and equipment to experiment with. So, whether you’ve been to the wastelands before or if this is your first sortie to Amasia, we hope you join us. Good luck out there, Drifter! Prepare for the Open Network Test early and download the game now on PS5. View the full article

Hi everyone! How have you all been these last few weeks? We hope you are getting ready for a nice festive season with your loved ones. Since releasing Astro Bot earlier this year on PlayStation 5, we have been submerged by lovely comments from you and the PlayStation community, and we are delighted with the critical response to the game all over the world. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for showing your appreciation. It truly means a lot to us. As our way of saying thank you, it is my pleasure to announce that a whole new piece of free additional content is coming to Astro Bot. Indeed, the little robotic elves of Team Asobi have been very busy preparing a whole new level called Winter Wonder, which will be coming live on Thursday, December 12 at 6:00 pm PT* You will need to have completed the game for this special update to appear. Since we want it to remain a little surprise, we will not say too much, but you should expect a fun-filled level with shiny presents, a good dose of jingle bells, and brand-new special bots to add to your crew! This winter update was made with every user in mind, meaning it is a celebration enjoyable for children and adults alike. So, no hair-pulling challenge this time! :) We had a lot of fun making this special present for you all, and we hope you enjoy it very much, too. That’s all from us. This year has been a very special journey for us at Team Asobi, and we thank you for joining us. Until next time, we wish you a very relaxing and restful end of the year, full of gaming of course, but above all, full of good health and happiness all around. For now, it’s goodbye from Astro and the bots. We’ll see you around. Team Asobi out. *Internet connection and Astro Bot game required for update. Winter Wonder add-on available after game completion. View the full article

Since the launch of the original PlayStation console on December 3, 1994, PlayStation has redefined the gaming experience year after year, bringing three generations of lasting memories for players. To celebrate this milestone with our community, and look back at another momentous year for gaming, we’re launching PlayStation 2024 Wrap-Up today – featuring a retro PlayStation aesthetic and graphics that call back to PlayStation’s 30-year history. From today through January 10, 2025, PS4 or PS5 players* can access their PlayStation 2024 Wrap-Up experience to view their gaming achievements, including most played games, a breakdown of monthly gaming stats, gaming style, and more. New this year are personalized historical statistics, such as the total number of games a player has experienced since creating their account for PlayStation Network, as well as a look back at trophy milestones and personalized recommendations for games that are available on PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. 2024 Wrap-Up will continue to update through the end of 2024, so be sure to check back again before January 10 for your full-year summary. Players who complete the experience can redeem a unique 30th anniversary-inspired avatar and PlayStation Stars digital collectible, as well as a shareable Wrap-Up summary card. Check out my summary below: Experience your PlayStation 2024 Wrap-Up today at wrapup.playstation.com and share your favorite PlayStation experiences in the comments section below. *Users need to have an account for PlayStation Network in their region, be aged 18 years or over and, have played games on a PS4 or PS5 console for at least 10 hours between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Users who have not consented to the collection of “Full Data” from their PlayStation 5 system settings in 2024, will be unable to participate in the Wrap-Up campaign.Users located in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australasia, India, and Russia, who have not consented to the collection of “Additional Data” from their PlayStation 4 system settings in 2024, will be unable to participate in the Wrap-Up campaign. View the full article

The year is ending on a high note with Beat Saber! The Metallica Music Pack is out now, and it’s our biggest and most challenging music pack to date, featuring 17 of the band’s biggest hits. This iconic metal band has been one of the most anticipated artists among our community, and we’re beyond excited for you to finally experience it. For the very first time, we’re launching a full music pack dedicated to the metal genre. Play Video We’ve got all the great hits – check out the full track list below: Atlas, Rise! Battery Blackened Creeping Death Enter Sandman Fade to Black For Whom the Bell Tolls Fuel Hit the Lights King Nothing Lux Æterna Master of Puppets Nothing Else Matters One Sad But True Seek & Destroy The Unforgiven Which one will you try first? The Beat Games team has outdone themselves again with this music pack. It’s a real challenge, bringing over an hour and 41 minutes of playtime across 17 songs that will keep you on your toes. The environment created for this music pack features new technology, where nearly every component can be moved and rotated to give mappers maximum control when creating unique light shows. Each pillar in the environment is made of a bent metal structure with supporting scaffoldings, and lasers and tiny light bulbs add more depth to the designs. Fire and lighting effects further elevate the visuals of the environment. As usual, the challenging levels feature Arc and Chain notes and are available in multiplayer, so you can compete with your family, friends, or random opponents. The Metallica Music Pack introduces a new gameplay feature: Variable Note Jump Speed. This means the speed of individual cubes coming at you in the beatmap will change depending on the intensity of the song. Going forward, we’ll be using Variable Note Jump Speed in our future beatmaps too. In addition to this, we’re introducing a color override that lets you change the color of the cubes. This will be particularly useful for those who want to stick with their preferred colors or for players who might be colorblind. Ready to shred? If so, you can get the full music pack now or grab the game + music pack bundle, discounted to $39.99 until January 31, 2025. View the full article

It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, PS VR, and free-to-play games topped the download charts last month. November’s PS5 list saw spooky newcomer Phasmophobia rise from the dead, landing in the top five of the US and EU charts. Metro Awakening claimed the top spot on November’s PS VR2 list in the US and EU. Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month? PS5 Games US/CanadaEUCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Call of Duty: Black Ops 6PhasmophobiaEA SPORTS FC 25NBA 2K25Farming Simulator 25EA SPORTS FC 25PhasmophobiaEA SPORTS Madden NFL 25Grand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto VHogwarts LegacyDragon Age: The VeilguardMinecraftEA SPORTS College Football 25NBA 2K25Farming Simulator 25Marvel’s Spider-Man 2Marvel’s Spider-Man 2UFC 5DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZEROCyberpunk 2077Hogwarts LegacyDragon Age: The VeilguardMinecraftPalworldMortal Kombat 1God of War RagnarökUndisputedASTRO BOTASTRO BOTPlanet Coaster 2PalworldBaldur’s Gate 3UFC 5DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZEROCyberpunk 2077The Crew MotorfestGod of War RagnarökResident Evil 4 *Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included PS4 Games US/CanadaEUCall of Duty: Black Ops 6EA SPORTS FC 25Red Dead Redemption 2Call of Duty: Black Ops 6Need for Speed HeatNeed for Speed HeatBatman: Arkham KnightRed Dead Redemption 2Gang BeastsBattlefield 1Grand Theft Auto VNeed for Speed PaybackEA SPORTS FC 25The ForestNeed for Speed PaybackBattlefield VThe ForestGrand Theft Auto VBattlefield 1Gang BeastsEA SPORTS Madden NFL 25Mortal Kombat XMinecraftBatman: Arkham KnighttheHunter: Call of the WildMinecraftMortal Kombat XHogwarts LegacyBattlefield VKingdom Come: DeliveranceNBA 2K25A Way OutHogwarts LegacyRayman LegendsSTAR WARS Battlefront IIUnravel TwoChained Climb TogetherChained Climb TogetherBODYCAMERA SHOOTERMafia: Trilogy *Naming of products may differ between regions PS VR2 Games* US/CanadaEUMetro AwakeningMetro AwakeningBeat SaberBeat SaberArizona Sunshine RemakeArizona Sunshine RemakeArizona Sunshine 2Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced EditionStar Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced EditionArizona Sunshine 2PavlovPavlovInto the RadiusHorizon Call of the MountainRed Matter 2Red Matter 2Among Us VRCrossfire: Sierra SquadCrossfire: Sierra SquadCreed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition *PS Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included PSVR Games US/CanadaEUASTRO BOT Rescue MissionBatman: Arkham VRThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VRThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VRBatman: Arkham VRASTRO BOT Rescue MissionBorderlands 2 VRJob SimulatorParanormal Activity: The Lost SoulDOOM 3: VR EditionSUPERHOT VRLethal VRBeat SaberBeat SaberJob SimulatorDOOM VFRDOOM 3: VR EditionBorderlands 2 VRSurgeon Simulator: Experience RealitySUPERHOT VR Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) US/CanadaEUFortniteFortniteCall of Duty: WarzoneCall of Duty: WarzoneRobloxRobloxRocket LeagueRocket LeagueAsphalt Legends UniteAsphalt Legends UniteFall GuyseFootballApex LegendsFall GuysVALORANTVALORANTeFootballThe Sims 4The Sims 4Stumble Guys View the full article

A lot is happening in Fortnite right now! If you’re in the mood to play shooters this holiday, we’ve got you covered. Relive the OG OG Battle Royale experience in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 Season 1. Become a Ronin to drive back the demons in Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters. Additionally, soon you’ll be able to prove your skill, precision, and teamwork in the new tactical 5v5 FPS, Fortnite Ballistic, launching December 11 into early access. If you’re trying to keep up with the news, don’t worry — we’ll break everything down for you starting with the upcoming new mode. Fortnite goes first-person with Ballistic Ballistic brings a first-person, adrenaline-filled, round-based, 5v5 competitive mode to Fortnite. Round up your squad because strategy, tactical teamwork, and prowess are essential for victory in this brand-new Fortnite experience. All new gameplay At the start of a Ballistic match, you’ll be sorted into one of two teams — attackers and defenders. The attackers’ goal is to plant the Rift Point Device, a reality-tearing explosive that can be primed at one of two sites on the map. The defender’s goal is to.. defend! Do what it takes to thwart the attacker’s plan to plant and detonate the device. Every bit of health matters in Ballistic. There are no respawns in this mode and the rounds come to a quick end if one of the following happens; The Rift Point Device detonates or a team is fully eliminated. After six rounds, the attackers become the defenders (and vice versa). Bring home the victory after winning seven total rounds with your team. Light the fuse Each player starts on a level playing field with 800 credits to spend and the Ranger Pistol weapon. Think strategy, how you choose to spend your Ballistic credits can determine your success in Ballistic. Rack up more credits by scoring eliminations or planting the Rift Point Device during your attacker rounds. At the beginning of each round, you can spend credits to unlock an arsenal of weapons such as Nemesis AR, Thunder Burst SMG, Reaper Sniper, and more to boost your chances of winning. You can hold two weapons, one being your primary weapon and the other being the Ranger Pistol. You’ll be able to keep your weapons, shields, and non-consumed items for the next round..if you survive. Just took out an enemy? Feel free to pick up their weapon to use in the next round, finders keepers. While the Rift Point Device can secure your team’s victory, make sure you’re taking shelter at a fair distance away. The blast is unforgiving and being eliminated by it means you’ll lose any items and weapons you have. You have 45 seconds, after successfully arming the device, to take cover. Sharing is caring in Ballistic, assist your teammates by dropping your weapons and items at any time during rounds. Explosives more their style? You can also drop flashbangs and smoke grenades. If one teammate is making more bank on eliminations, they could drop you a weapon by spending their credits. Fortnite Outfits, Kicks, Wraps, Sprays, and Emotes from your Locker are also available to equip. The cosmetics you can’t bring with you to the matches are Black Blings, Pickaxes, Contrails, Instruments, Vehicles, and Jam Tracks. Gadgets supreme With every start of a Ballistic match, you’ll choose one of five Flex Gadgets — the Proximity Mine, Bubble Shield, Frag Grenade, Recon Grenade, and Impulse Grenade. Choose wisely, once you lock in your gadget, you’ll be the only player on your team who can purchase and use that gadget during the match. If you use your Flex Gadgets correctly, you just might clutch a win. Early access and Fortnite Ballistic Ballistic is launching with the Skyline 10 map, a starting set of weapons, and a limited number of items. After launch, adjustments may be made based on player feedback, in addition to major updates such as new maps, weapons, and features. At launch, Ballistic will be available on all platforms and regions where Fortnite is supported, with the exceptions of South Korea and Russia. Welcome back Fortnite OG – always on, every day Relive the classic Battle Royale experience in Fortnite OG! Fortnite OG takes you back to day one of Season 1 and this time, it’s here to stay! Grab your squad, hop on the Battle Bus, and get ready to experience OG loot and locations from the original launch of Battle Royale in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 – Season 1. Fortnite OG Chapter 1 features the initial Seasons of Battle Royale, faithful down to the feature additions and loot pool swaps. While Fortnite OG seasons are shorter than the current Battle Royale seasons, you can still drop into all the fun with Solos, Squads, and Zero Build at launch. Some of the rough edges from Chapter 1 have been preserved, while others have been polished. For example, you’ll find Reboot Vans and be able to see the glare from a sniper scope, but Max building resources are set to 999 Last but not least, the original map that launched in 2017 is making its grand return, with classic locations like Retail Row, Pleasant Park, Loot Lake, and more. An era-defining armory The loot pool available from over seven years ago will be accessible on day one of Fortnite OG, including the Pump Shotgun. Yes, the Double Pump playstyle is returning in Fortnite OG along with more items that will become unvaulted as the season progresses! Traps are returning with some key choices such as the Wall Dynamo, Ceiling Zapper, and Damage trap. Kick it old school with the Fortnite OG Pass The Fortnite OG Pass is giving all the feels by featuring 45 tiers of modern twists on classic rewards. Earn the Aerial Assault Bomber, Skull Commander, and Renegade Rebel Outfits, which also include an unlockable alternate style for each and more nostalgic items in Season 1. You can either get the OG pass in-game or by becoming a Fortnite Crew member, which includes this pass and a ton of other benefits, like the Battle Pass, LEGO Pass, and Music Pass. You can complete the Chapter 1 — Season 1 Fortnite OG Pass until January 31, 2025, at 2 AM ET by earning XP across any Fortnite experience. Drive back the demons as a powerful Ronin in Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters A beautiful new island shrouded in mystical energy and mystery appears, but lurking demons are using masks of power to unleash chaos across the Island. Rise to the challenge as a great hero to cast out ancient evils in Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters. Legends come to life Cherry blossoms fall on the new Chapter 6 map — soil long-protected by spiritual forces and timeworn magic. It’s here you’ll make a name for yourself as a demon hunter. Journey through ancient, modern, and supernatural scenery Demon’s Dojo On the path to becoming a great Ronin, hone your combat skills at the legendary Demon’s Dojo, force the demon lord’s servants out from the grand sanctuary of Warrior’s Watch, or put your fortitude to the test on the mountain peak of Shogun’s Solitude, where powerful foes await your arrival. Seaport City If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of city life, the Seaport City offers a tightly packed commercial district. See which bun shop serves the best and freshest in the village of Canyon Crossing, or meet travelers like yourself as you move across the Shining Span. Turtle Landmark Travel further along lesser-known paths, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by sacred obelisks and hidden treasures within the overgrown Magic Mosses. Wander amongst the endless darkness of the Nightshift Forest, or pay tribute to The Great Turtle, who watches over the land. Enchantments on medallions, blades & firearms Enhance your mastery of vanquishing evil by claiming the Wanderer Medallion from the rampaging demon warrior Shogun X. This medallion aids your trials by giving you invisibility and stamina while sprinting. If you hunt down the relentless spirit Night Rose within her domain, you’ll earn the Night Rose Medallion for your efforts, which automatically reload your weapons. All traditional weapons that support your endeavors are of the hitscan variety, with damage immediately colliding with your enemies from weapons such as the Veiled Precision SMG, Oni Shotgun, and more. If blade work is more your style, wield the destructive Typhoon Blade and unleash a flurry of strikes against your enemies. To add more magic to your arsenal, seek out lesser demons around the island and defeat them to claim their masks of power! The Fire Oni Mask launches homing projectiles at your opponents and the stealthy Void Oni Mask lets you transport short distances to sneak around your foes. Make an offering to Sprites and gain powerful boons at Sprite Shrines May fortune be on your side if you encounter charming Air, Water, and Earth Sprites roaming around the island, which grant you unique effects to increase your luck during battle. By guiding a Sprite to one of the island’s overlooked Sprite Shrines, you can gain a strong Fire, Water, Void, or Wind Boon that grants a unique power for the duration of the match. Boons can also drop from bosses and be found in Chests. Ride in style If you want to get enemies off your trail more quickly, then look no further with the modern, wheely-popping Rogue Bike. The sporty, high-performance Void Burn coupe also leaves them in the dust and adds to your road menace notoriety. New traversal maneuvers If you ever wanted to Ledge Jump, Wall Kick, Wall Scramble, or do a Roll Landing, these features are now a part of Fortnite’s core movement, available across Battle Royale, Reload, Fortnite OG, and creator-made islands. Conquer the darkness with the 鬼 Hunters Battle Pass Unlock levels of premium rewards in the 鬼 Hunters Battle Pass when you spend 1,000 V-Bucks and earn XP across various Fortnite modes. By progressing the pass, you can earn up to 1,500 V-Bucks and also some formidable Outfits, including: Nyanja (ニャンジャ): Two-tailed trickster Jade: Discover the Island’s myths Kendo: A wandering rōnin with a restless spirit Daigo: Man of a thousand faces Shadow Blade Hope: See through the shadows Disney’s Hero Baymax: Ready to be your hero The Night Rose: A fearsome demon warrior, bound by ancient duty The legends are true. Become a true Titan as Godzilla! The Godzilla Evolved Outfit will be available from Battle Pass Quests in January, which you can complete in any experience. This Battle Pass will be available to progress in until February 21. Join the fun in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 Season 1 and Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters today. Fortnite Ballistic launches December 11 into early access. View the full article

Explore the dark, twisted realm of Wraeclast when Path of Exile 2 Early Access launches today on PS5. With extensive endgame systems, customizable skill and build progression, new Ascendancies, and more – there’s lots to explore and uncover. Players have six character classes, each of whom has been cast aside for various reasons. A redefined combat system Command legions of the dead from a distance, or wield a hammer, bow, or go full-on artillery. Six classes stand before you, each one a gateway to untold carnage: Monk: Swift and deadly, a blur of motion that leaves nothing but mangled bodies in its wake. Sorceress: A master of destruction, weaving spells that tear through enemies and scorch the earth itself. Warrior: A savage force, wielding deadly weapons with brutal efficiency, tearing foes apart with raw power. Ranger: Silent, swift, and deadly, a hunter in the shadows who strikes with lethal precision. Mercenary: Crossbow in hand, ready to bring ruin from afar, a relentless force of calculated destruction. Witch: A dark sorceress who commands the minions of the abyss, bending them to her will as they tear apart all in their path. With the new Uncut Gems, your power knows no bounds. Unlock a vast array of skills, mixing and matching Support Gems that transform your abilities — making them faster, deadlier, and more destructive, depending on your playstyle. Epic boss fights Every step leads you closer to unspeakable horrors. The Iron Count will test your resolve with a barrage of vicious attacks. And beware of Zicoatl, the Warden of the Core, whose snaking heads writhe with malice, ready to strike down anyone who dares challenge it. And if you think you’ve mastered it all, completing Act 1 through Act 3 will unlock Cruel Difficulty for the endgame which requires you to complete the campaign all over again. Expect a whole new level with more brutal challenges, but better rewards for those who can survive the carnage. In-depth endgame systems Seven distinct endgame systems await. Players can also access special passive trees which boost the reward of your maps and change how various mechanics work in the endgame. To become stronger, complete the Trials of Ascendancy. The Trial of Sekhemas will challenge your limits and grant unimaginable power that boosts character progression. The Trial of the Chaos God is another way of Ascending but requires a token from a strange entity. As you enter each room of the Trial, the stakes are high. The same also goes for the downsides as it becomes more perilous than the last. Co-op with a friend You are not alone in this, though. Journey into the deadly continent of Wraeclast with a companion, or go in a group of six. Take the first steps into Path of Exile 2 Early Access on PS5 today and face the horrors that await. View the full article

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Howdy folks! The PlayStation 30th anniversary celebration continues this week as the crew hears from listeners and developers about their favorite PlayStation games of all time. Plus, the crew dives into their favorite games on PS Vita, PS4, and PS VR. We’ll continue to feature listeners and developers (and name our personal top picks for PS5 and PS VR2 games!) through the end of the year. Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered | PS5, PS4 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind | PS5, PS4 Fairy Tail 2 | PS5, PS4 PS Blog GOTY 2024 Nominees – polls are now live Special listener and developer’s favorite PlayStation games segment The podcast crew highlights their top games on PS Vita, PS4, and PS VR (discussion to be continued…) The Cast View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. [Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.] View the full article

Last week, we asked you to dive into Stellar Blade’s newly released photo mode to highlight the Nier: Automata DLC costumes using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: marka_game shares Eve in 2B’s classic outfit, and Adam’s themed bot at her shoulder. sorathluna shares Lily, Eve, and Adam’s Nier themed costumes. sirevanztheduke shares Eve wearing 2B’s outfit in combat FrameCaptureVP shares Eve approaching Emil in the Wastelands. crisg_art shares Eve striking a heart pose in 2B’s outfit Valkyrion126 shares Eve strike a pose in the A2 YoRHa Type A No.2 outfit. Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: PlayStation 30th Anniversary SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on December 11, 2024 Next week, celebrate 30 years of PlayStation history! Share pics of your favorite PlayStation consoles, games, or collection through the years using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

It’s a special time of year in the GT calendar as we head to Amsterdam in the Netherlands for the World Finals of the Gran Turismo World Series 2024. After three rounds of spectacular racing in Montreal in July, Prague in August and Tokyo in September, the points at the top of the tables are tantalizingly close as the action returns to Theater Amsterdam, the scene of 2023’s World Series Showdown. Play Video As ever, the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup final is the warm-up event for World Finals weekend and takes place at 16:00 CET on Friday, December 7. Always competitive, the TGR GT Cup will feature a mix of established World Series stars, aiming to make a winning start to their weekends, with some newcomers to the international scene keen to establish themselves. The 24 racers from around the world race in two heats before a Grand Final decides the 2024 champion. Team Lexus heads the points table in the Manufacturers Cup. But its talisman, Igor Fraga (BRA), winner of Round 1 in Montreal, will not be at the World Finals due to Super GT racing commitments in Japan. Harald Walsen from Chile deputises, but second-placed Team Porsche hopes to make up the four-point deficit while warding off Team BMW, just a further point adrift. With a single driver having represented each team in Rounds 1-3, all three will join forces in Amsterdam and share the racing and team strategy duties. The Manufacturers Cup action can be seen live at 19:00 CET on Friday. On Sunday, December 8 at 16:00 CET the Nations Cup takes centre stage. Frenchman Kylian Drumont’s flawless win in Tokyo propelled him to the top of the standings. He leads by a single point from a three-way tie for second made up of three former champions: Spain’s Jose Serrano; Montreal winner Takuma Miyazono of Japan; and the winner of Round 2 in Prague, Italy’s Valerio Gallo. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image All the action will play out in front of a live audience at Theater Amsterdam. If you can’t make it don’t miss out and watch the live streams: Saturday, December 7 Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup – PST 07:00 | EST 10:00 | UTC 15:00 | local time CET 16:00 | JST 00:00 (Sun) Manufacturers Cup – PST 10:00 | EST 13:00 | UTC 18:00 | local time CEST 19:00 | JST 13:00 (Sun) Sunday, December 8 Nations Cup – PST 07:00 | EST 10:00 | UTC 15:00 | local time CET 16:00 | JST 00:00 (Mon) Head to the World Finals special page for more information and watch all the action at https://www.gran-turismo.com/world/live/. Race like the best in Gran Turismo 7 There are plenty of ways to get involved in the World Series in Gran Turismo 7. By clicking on the Predict the Winners campaign banner on the GT7 World Map, players can receive one million credits for each of the TGR GT Cup, Nations Cup, and the Manufacturers Cup with votes cast right up to the start of the final race of each.* Simply watching the broadcast in-game also unlocks some special gifts in GT7 through the Viewers Gift campaign. Players can also take part in two special challenges in Gran Turismo 7 that reflect car and track combinations on show at the World Finals: Red Bull X2019 on Nürburgring 24h and Gr.3 on Spa-Francorchamps. *Entry limit to one per account for PlayStationNetwork. Once an entry has been submitted it cannot be withdrawn or changes. See https://www.gran-turismo.com/us/gt7/events/gtws2024/campaign/ for more information. View the full article

Hello, Proxies! I am Cross Shi, the technical lead of the Zenless Zone Zero dev team. We are very grateful for your support of our new game over the past few months. With the highly anticipated version 1.4, A Storm of Falling Stars, launching on December 18, I am eager to share our latest game content and optimizations with you! Also, I’m excited to announce that Zenless Zone Zero will be arriving on PS5 Pro with a multitude of optimizations for the new console. Heart-pounding combat with legendary characters After turning the tide of the explosive crime engineered by the Vision Corporation, Proxies forged bonds with a diverse array of Agents, and the conspiracy surrounding the Sacrifice begins to surface. With new crises drawing near, the contours of truth emerge in the upcoming Chapter 5. In this chapter, our long-standing acquaintance Perlman finally awakens, granting us a glimpse into the secrets behind the Sacrifice and exploring the mysteries surrounding the siblings’ background. At the same time, the New Eridu Public Security is undergoing its election, igniting an undercurrent of turmoil throughout the city. Proxies should be prepared to face a climactic battle against the formidable enemy, Sacrifice. The highly anticipated character, Hoshimi Miyabi, as the chief of Section 6 and the youngest Void Hunter, also joins your team. As a Frost Anomaly agent, she’s a powerhouse with her cursed blade Tailless. Every enemy should fear her masterful swordsmanship and swift movements. This determined agent doesn’t stand alone. Asaba Harumasa, the Electric Attack agent whose weapon can shift between bow and blade, is also ready to maneuver seamlessly on the battlefield. Hollow Zero major update, new engaging gameplay and explorable areas To offer Proxies diversified combat experiences, we launched the battle tower, aka the Simulated Battle Trial, in version 1.3. We’re delighted that Proxies push their limits and embrace these electrifying challenges. In version 1.4, Hollow Zero will undergo the major update, Shadows Lost, where Proxies plunge into fierce battles within the Lost Void, armed with additional support and equipment including weapons, Bangboo assist skill, and Resonia. Agents such as Miyabi, Ellen, Yanagi, and Billy will have the chance to showcase their exclusive Gear. Upon completing missions, Proxies receive new A-level Brawlerboo and other rewards. Hollows remain fraught with danger, and Melinoe, the intricately complex new Hollow, is beckoning Proxies and Section 6’s exploration and support. Proxies and Eous navigate puzzles and explore paths to lead the way. As they progress through these perilous terrains, Miyabi and Yanagi gradually release their full potential. Amid combat as allies, not only do Proxies gain access to the new W-Engine and plentiful rewards, but they also learn more stories of Section 6. Furthermore, the uncharted areas known as Port Elpis and Reverb Arena offer their own new maps and captivating stories. Beloved Bangboo fights a tower defense against Ethereals under the strategic guidance of Proxies. The event showcasing enthusiastic support for Section 6 unfolds within the vibrant atmosphere of the Reverb Arena. Optimizations for a more immersive experience In version 1.4, we not only introduce new content but continually make optimizations for a better game experience. First, the story flow of the Prologue to Chapter 3 was redesigned for smooth combat experiences. The TV mode is replaced with stage narratives where Proxies command Eous to aid in Hollow exploration. Proxies who have previously completed the chapters can also revisit them through the HDD system for a fresh experience. Second, to provide an improved pacing, we optimized the Inter-Knot level-up experience and lowered the threshold for progressing. As for combat, Decibels arw no longer shared when Agents use Ultimate skills in combat. This change provides more opportunities for each agent to unleash their Ultimate Skill, contributing to a more spectacular battle experience. When an Agent earns Decibels through attacks or remarkable actions, other Agents also obtain a percent of those Decibels. Among others, the Quick Sweep feature for Shiyu Defense and the new espresso in the coffee shop will be introduced along with further optimizations for character building and advancement. To enhance immersion and interactions with Agents, in version 1.4, all contracted Agents are controllable in the city as we promised. The Quality Time mode, which allows Proxies to invite Agents to hang out in New Eridu together, will also be launched. Whether it’s soaking in the beautiful scenery, capturing cool snapshots, or enjoying a sip of coffee, Agents love to spend quality time with you. Enhanced graphics and tactile combat on PS5 Pro Our game comes to PS5 Pro with major enhancements in both performance and visual presentation. With the PS5 Pro’s upgraded GPU and support for High Frequency mode, we’ve achieved native 4K resolution and 60 FPS simultaneously with the average frame rate increasing by nearly ten frames. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant world of New Eridu or engaging in intense battles, the enhanced performance on the PS5 Pro ensures that your adventure is seamless and exhilarating. To deliver stunning visuals, version 1.4 of Zenless Zone Zero introduces exciting engine features, particularly ray tracing, newly optimized specifically for the PS5 Pro. The PS5 Pro version resolves reflection issues for off-screen objects and enhances indirect highlights for significant improvements in reflections on mirrors, water surfaces, puddles, and other metallic or glossy materials. We’ve also improved the rendering of strong light in darker areas, the real-time response to indirect diffuse lighting, and added occlusion effects between objects. Along with support for HDR and VRR and the new PSSR on the PS5 Pro, the graphics now offer higher rendering precision and enhanced tessellation, making your journey through New Eridu even more immersive. Beyond the overall improvements in visuals and performance, we’re particularly enthused to share the optimizations we’ve made for DualSense wireless controllers, which feature effective haptic feedback capabilities. We’ve tailored the vibration feedback for different combat actions, such as Basic and Special Attacks, providing a nuanced tactile experience for immersive combat. With these enhancements and the new gameplay experiences introduced in version 1.4, get ready to feel the exhilarated tension of every hit at your fingertips! Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the players who have shown tremendous support and interest in Zenless Zone Zero. Your continued support means the world to us. As a token of appreciation for the incredible journey we have embarked on over the past six months, we prepared generous in-game rewards, including the exclusive S-level Agent Asaba Harumasa for all players around the globe. We sincerely hope that you enjoy our newly updated version 1.4 and relish the combat experiences on December 18. Your enthusiasm drives us to keep improving and enhancing the game for all of you. Thank you for being an essential part of the Zenless Zone Zero community. View the full article

My name is Jenny, and I’m the Communications Director for Ivy Road, the indie studio currently developing Wanderstop. Our team is proud to announce that Wanderstop will be released on PlayStation 5 on March 11, 2025. We are eager for the chance for players to step into Alta’s shoes and contribute to PlayStation’s tradition of representing impactful, emotional storytelling in games. A Mysterious Tea Shop In Wanderstop, you’ll play as a former tournament fighter named Alta who has to put her troubled past aside to tend a charming shop and brew tea for its various customers. One would anticipate that after a lifetime of dedication, determination, and constant competition, Alta would welcome the opportunity to slow down. But Alta isn’t quite like everyone else, and this golden opportunity for rest is something she wishes she could escape. Instead of fighting, Alta must spend time growing and harvesting the ingredients needed for tea and mixing them in an unusual tea-making contraption, speaking with the many travelers who pass through the shop, learning their stories, and making tea to match their unique requests. In your downtime, you might tidy up around the clearing, decorate the shop in your style, or just sit on a bench with a cup of tea and listen to your own thoughts. Maybe doing nothing at all is okay. The shop demands patience and rejects those who have come only in the pursuit of growth unchecked. Inspired by Personal Experience Creative Director Davey Wreden’s experience with burnout initially inspired the concept of Wanderstop, and as the team and project grew, each member brought their perspectives to the table. We also drew from the groundwork of many narrative and cozy games that have also explored challenging topics. In our release date announcement video, we had the opportunity to share a bit of Davey’s journey. Years ago, he wrote and directed two games – The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide – and after finishing those games, he felt incredibly burnt out. In the hopes of bringing some balance to his life, and to inspire a healthier work/life balance, he started to explore making a cozy game. As he progressed, he discovered that playing cozy games can provide lots of relaxation – making them still contain the stresses and challenges that all game development holds. Play Video After collaborating with other members of the team, like co-founder and writer, Karla Zimonja, art director Temi Olujobi, and lead designer, Steve Margolin, the game’s central themes and questions evolved. Rather than simply creating a cozy experience, there was a tension that they began to explore. What happens when you have a protagonist who isn’t excited about or willing to engage with a cozy world? The coziness, rather than simply being the solution to her inner turmoil, became a point of contention for our protagonist, Alta, and it also became an interesting design element for us as a team. We looked towards many of the games already out that’ve explored these intersections of burnout, grief, fatigue, and healing, as well as previous research articles on topics like player motivation and the work on coziness from Project Horseshoe. Our hope was to continue expanding on the ways that these types of games provide spaces for players to reflect and address potentially challenging issues. Let Your Mind Wander In Wanderstop, there are ample activities a player can do to pass the time. Let your interests guide you to the tasks that bring you the most fulfillment. Players who enjoy decorating can take their time arranging plants in the garden and around the shop, petting adorable pluffins, and finding trinkets scattered about the glade. Periodically, visitors will arrive, providing an opportunity for conversation. Talk with them, see what’s on their minds, and perhaps take on a request to brew their favorite tea. Need a moment to yourself? Create your own cuppa, find a spot to sit, and take in the sights and sounds of the clearing. The music – composed by C418 — shifts dynamically based on your actions in-game and provides a relaxing soundtrack to reflect on. These verbs of Wanderstop – brew, decorate, talk, sit, drink tea – all support our goal for you: that you find your own sense of meaning and connection to this world and Alta’s journey when it comes to PS5 March 11, 2025. View the full article

Since the launch of PlayStation Tournaments on PS5, we’ve continued to bring together a community of competitive gamers and esports fans on PS5 to test their skills and compete at a regional and global level. In the spirit of celebrating our community, we’re excited to announce PlayStation Tournaments: XP, a new live studio event that invites the top competitive gamers globally on PS5 for a unique in-person team-based competition. Play Video On January 18, 2025, the first-ever PlayStation Tournaments: XP competition will be held live in London. Qualifying players from across the globe and the competitive gaming community on PS5 will represent teams Triangle, Circle, Cross, and Square to earn points during the competition and vie for the title of champion, in addition to winning exclusive prizes. Through online qualifiers via PlayStation Tournaments on PS5, players will have a chance to compete to earn their trip to London, while fans at home will be able to tune into the event live stream, watch all the action, and win prizes. How to qualify for PlayStation Tournaments: XP To battle for a chance to compete in London, play in any PlayStation Tournaments: XP Open Qualifier on PS5. Open Qualifiers will start today for Tekken 8 and EA Sports FC 25. Open Qualifiers for Fortnite will start on December 6, and Astro Bot will start on December 13, 2024. See here for full details on the rules and times for each qualifier. Players who win an Open Qualifier will be invited to a regional online Closed Final. After winning a Closed Final, the player will then earn a spot to compete in the live PlayStation Tournaments: XP event and a ticket to London, including flights and lodging. Gear up for PlayStation Tournaments: XP in London on January 18, 2025 When qualifying players arrive in London, they’ll be seeded into one of the four teams (Triangle, Circle, Cross, and Square) and compete across several exciting live broadcast matches to earn points (called “XP”) for their team. Each team will feature a Team Captain and Specialists, which are a crew of community favorites who specialize in one of the four featured titles. These Team Captains and Specialists will represent, cheer on, and coach their team through the tournament. We’ll be unveiling the full roster of Team Captains and Specialists in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! After four rounds of competition and surprise mini-games, the top two teams will compete to become the first-ever Champions of PlayStation Tournaments: XP. Esports fans can tune into the PlayStation Tournaments: XP livestream on January 18 to cheer on a team and watch the event. On the PlayStation Twitch and YouTube channels, fans can watch the action in real time, from intense 1v1 matches to interviews with Team Captains. To follow along each team’s progress, a Specialist from each team will be streaming their perspective, giving you an inside look at the action. Viewers will even be able to earn points for your team and win prizes through polls in chat. PlayStation Tournaments: XP is a celebration of the players, competitors, and fans who make our competitive community a great group to be a part of. Whether you’re competing in London or cheering on from home, we can’t wait for you to experience this new in-person competition. Stay tuned for the latest PlayStation Tournaments: XP details at compete.playstation.com. View the full article

What’s it like bringing a K-Pop hit from Barbie the Album into a VR Rhythm game? It’s kinda like opening the doors and walking into a party — with a lot of pink all around you. Hi, I’m Falcon from Kluge Interactive and this is the new Synth Riders Experience – Barbie Dance ‘n Dream. It’s a Barbie-fueled ride to Fifty Fifty’s “Barbie Dreams (feat. Kaliii).” In fact, this is the first time Barbie joins a VR rhythm game — and it’s available right now! Here’s a small taste of what you can experience yourself right now in Synth Riders with this new DLC. Play Video You’ll soak in some rays at the beach, groove at the roller disco, and dance through Barbie dreams in Synth Riders’ latest musical journey. It’s a whole new audio-visual Experience, from the team that delivered the one-of-a-kind immersive tracks collaborating with Muse, The Offspring, and Lindsay Stirling – to name a few. Associate Creative Director Jaime Nunez-Lopez told me “The idea of Barbie dreaming that she´s on a journey through different dream worlds really fit the Synth Riders game mechanics and perfectly matched the theme of the song itself.” And, really, we needed an excuse to have pink dolphins in a game! Jaime adds, “It’s really all about bringing a huge smile to your face by the time the song’s done.” So pull out that power pink wardrobe and get yourself ready for the Synth Riders Experience — Barbie Dance ‘n Dream! We can’t wait to see all of you dressing up in pink for the occasion! The Synth Riders Experience – Barbie Dance’n Dream DLC is available now on PlayStation VR2 for $2.99. View the full article

In our upcoming release of Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles, which launches January 23 on PS5 and PS4, we’re excited to introduce the new Lightsaber Color Toggle. This update gives you the power to switch between the classic lightsaber colors from the original game or adjust to colors that align with what you have seen throughout the expanded Star Wars galaxy — in books, movies, and TV series. Play Video For the first time, Mace Windu can wield his iconic purple lightsaber in Jedi Power Battles, a nod to his weapon seen throughout the Star Wars films and beyond. In a galaxy full of challenges, every color change adds a unique flair to your lightsaber combat. The new toggle feature gives you even more ways to personalize your gameplay experience with characters like Adi Gallia, Plo Koon, and Ki-Adi-Mundi. Get ready for the fight by picking your character and now your lightsaber color too! Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is packed with memorable locations and action, from the Theed Palace on Naboo to the Trade Federation Battleship. Along the way, players will face off against droids and the merciless Darth Maul himself. Lightsaber colors: original vs. new Mace Windu: Original – Blue | New – Purple Adi Gallia: Original – Red | New – Blue Plo Koon: Original – Yellow | New – Blue Ki-Adi-Mundi: Original – Purple | New – Blue Each lightsaber color comes with its own sense of history and purpose. Mace Windu’s famous purple blade, for instance, signifies both his mastery of the Force and his unique combat style. Meanwhile, Plo Koon’s transformation to blue reflects his role as a respected member of the Jedi Council, upholding peace and justice across the galaxy. With this new feature, battles feel more immersive than ever. How to access the Lightsaber Toggle Switching your lightsaber color is as easy as igniting your blade! On the character selection screen, tap the Square button. Choose the lightsaber color that best fits your vision of your favorite Jedi and prepare for the fight! Don’t miss the battle Pre-order Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles today. Join the galaxy’s heroes when the game officially launches on January 23 on PS5 and PS4. From fighting waves of battle droids to mastering the Force, there’s never been a better time to jump back into the adventure or switch up your lightsaber color. View the full article

Hello everyone! I’m Nobuo Uematsu, the composer of Fantasian Neo Dimension. When Producer Hironobu Sakaguchi first contacted me about Fantasian, I had decided that this would be the last video game title which I’d produce the full soundtrack for, solely on my own. Because this was going to be my final full soundtrack project, I wanted to give it everything I had. I rearranged my office—cluttered with non-work-related things that were there for fun—into something I call the “Fantasian mode,” so that I could corner myself creatively. In the end, I spent several months dedicating myself to composing, and I have no regrets. Please enjoy Fantasian Neo Dimension, the culminating work that tops off my 30-plus years long career of composing full video game soundtracks! Play Video Today, I’ll be introducing five of my favorite tracks from Fantasian Neo Dimension’s soundtrack. 1. Main Theme of Fantasian Composing the main theme for a game is always a headache. I try to approach it with the mindset of “creating a track that’s better than anything I’ve ever made,” but progress tends to be slow when I take things too seriously. Sometimes, my creativity flows once I let go and realize “this is what I know how to do best.” This was the case for the Main Theme of Fantasian. 2. Prickle and Clicker’s Theme A clumsy, outdated robot that’s certainly not the latest model – an incomplete being with fragmented speech, but is endearing precisely because of these qualities. These were the kind of things I thought about while I was making this track. It has an awkward, bumpy feel to the tune, right? 3. Shangri-La This one is a track that I personally really like. This track features scat vocalization which goes like “lan lan~♪,” but it would be nice to do a live performance of a version that includes lyrics someday. 4. God Realm Is music considered “proper” only when it has a beautiful melody on top of beautiful chords, played with a beautiful tone? If so, is it an “improper” piece of music when it has a graceless melody layered on top of eerily sounding chords, performed haphazardly? Being in this field for so long, there are times when I question myself about what exactly defines “proper music.” 5. Kina (Destiny) [featuring Yuria Miyazono] The time Sakaguchi needs to write song lyrics is astonishingly short. In the past, whenever I’d send over a completed melody his way, usually his first draft would be ready by the next day, or the day after that. I wish I could say that this track followed suit, but in this particular case, I believe his lyrics were written first, and I created a melody to go along with them. Regardless, I recall that I was able to complete this track very quickly and smoothly, with no bumps on the road. Speaking of which, Yuria Miyazono’s vocals are so beautiful… Discover these tracks for yourself in-game when Fantasian Neo Dimension launches on PlayStation Store December 5, 2024. View the full article

As we eagerly await the arrival of Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered, we are thrilled to unveil a treasure trove of details focusing on the Bonus Materials menu we’ve hinted at previously. In addition to the new materials that have been added, we’ve also restored and recreated (where possible) the Soul Reaver 2 Bonus Materials to HD and made them all accessible from the menu! This release is not just a remaster, it’s also a reminder of the collaboration between Crystal Dynamics, Aspyr, and the Legacy of Kain community. Play Video The Bonus Content honors the legacy of this iconic franchise and resurrects the haunting beauty that players have come to expect from the world of Nosgoth. Lore Reader: Maps and mysteries unveiled Dive into the “Lore of Nosgoth,” where brand-new maps are adorned with poetic descriptions of places and events. Created in collaboration with the Legacy of Kain Fandom leaders, key community members, and Crystal Dynamics artists, these maps offer an integrated perspective on the familiar, but previously disconnected, landscapes of Nosgoth. Toggle between the pure and corrupted versions of the map to see the transformation of the land over time and uncover secrets scattered throughout the map. Artwork and renders: A visual delight The “Galleries” section is a visual feast, featuring a collection of both classic and newly crafted HD renders. Relive the epic narrative through FMV cinematics from Soul Reaver 1 & 2, now presented with even more detail. This section also preserves the original credits, demo videos, and outtakes, celebrating the artistic achievements and behind-the-scenes efforts that brought Nosgoth to life. We’ve shared some unique pieces of concept art from the Crystal Dynamic’s archives that are sure to excite the imagination. Dark Chronicle: Relive the epic saga For those who cherish the narrative of the Legacy of Kain series, the “Dark Chronicle” section offers a concise, text-based version of both games’ scripts in their entirety. This feature is perfect for fans who want to relive their favorite moments or share iconic lines with friends. The Soul Reaver Lost Levels: A journey through what might have been Discover the “Soul Reaver Lost Levels” section, a unique addition to our Bonus Materials that showcases several areas that didn’t make the original game. Through the preservation efforts of Crystal Dynamics, Aspyr, and key community members like Ben Lincoln (who also created the fantastic fan-driven website https://thelostworlds.net/), you can explore four distinct areas: Undercity, Smokestack, Retreat, and Forges. Each provides a glimpse into alternative visions of the original Soul Reaver. You can explore the Lost Levels as Raziel, although you may find missing textures or areas that feel under construction. Think of the Lost Levels as an interactive museum, an accessible copy of historic artifacts, preserved in their original state. Undercity: The human citadel features an extensive subterranean area that would have become accessible after Raziel’s second battle with Kain. The Undercity was the home of a vampire-worshipping human priestess and her followers. Defeating her would have granted Raziel the ability to possess the minds of most humans and vampires. Smokestack: After exiting the Undercity, Raziel could have traveled to the massive fortress of his final remaining brother, Turel. In Turel’s lair, Raziel would have earned an enhanced telekinetic ability that would allow him to traverse the giant Smokestack and use the giant turbine in the middle of the room to create an updraft, allowing him to fly to the top to reach Kain’s mountain retreat, high above Nosgoth’s landscape. Retreat: Kain’s personal lair, perched on the mountaintops between Turel’s fortress and the Silenced Cathedral. With the Reaver’s power amplified by Kain’s soul, Raziel would then discover a bridge connected directly to the top of the Silenced Cathedral and use its titanic pipe organ to destroy every remaining vampire in Nosgoth. Forges: Soul Reaver was originally designed with six elemental enhancements for the Reaver. In addition to fire, Raziel would have discovered forges allowing him to imbue the weapon with sunlight, water, stone, sound, and spirit energy, using environmental sources scattered throughout the game world. Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Soundtracks: An auditory legacy Lastly, immerse yourself in the haunting melodies of Nosgoth with the extended playlists of the soundtracks from both Soul Reaver 1 & 2. Enjoy beloved tracks and discover new compositions, including the eerie “Priestess Encounter” and the mystical “Spirit Forge.” Join us on December 10 to explore the bonus materials and more in Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered! Pre-order now to ensure you’re one of the first to uncover the hidden depths of Nosgoth and experience the games like never before! View the full article

Bleach Rebirth of Souls is the latest console game from the legendary Bleach franchise, where fan favorite characters can unlock powers, engage in combat, and turn the tide of the battle with one strike of their sword. Play Video To get fans and players excited for Bleach Rebirth of Souls, we’ll be showing some exclusive content of Sosuke Aizen and Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto, as well as an introduction to the game’s unique battle system. New character reveals The new characters, Sosuke Aizen and Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto have been revealed in the release date announcement trailer. Their character trailers will drop soon, but below is a tease of the two iconic characters. As the Captain of Squad 5, Sosuke Aizen is infamous for his crime of high treason against the Soul Society. He has a Spiritual Pressure unlike any other, far surpassing that of other Soul Reapers. His immense strength is amplified by his unique ability to manipulate his attacks and shift the tide of the fight to his advantage. As the Head Captain, Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto stands at the pinnacle of all Soul Reapers, wielding the most powerful fire-based Zanpakuto capable of incinerating everything in its path. With unmatched firepower and mastery over his abilities, Yamamoto is a formidable force, ready to face any opponent who dares to challenge him. Combat system basics At its core, the basic strategy is reading the opponent’s moves, attack, guard, counter, and decreasing Reishi. Winning a battle involves cutting down an opponent’s Reishi (HP) and destroying their Konpaku (lives). All playable characters have unique abilities to accomplish this goal through various mechanics so using movement abilities for positioning becomes key to finding opportunities to strike. Before diving into the combat overview, let’s introduce some important game terms: Reishi Gauge: A player’s health gauge. Every time a Reishi gauge is cut down, the player’s Konpaku takes damage. Konpaku: A player’s remaining health. Destroy all of the opponent’s Konpaku to win the fight. Fighting Spirit Gauge: Accumulated over time and by taking damage. When enough of this gauge has accumulated, a player can activate the Awakening. If a player has a full gauge when using Awakening, they will move into a Kikon channel state, which increases the power of the Kikon Move. Awakening: Elevates a player to an empowered state with enhanced abilities and increased Konpaku destruction power. Kikon Move: An ability that directly destroys an opponent’s Konpaku. Guard Gauge: Decreases when a player guards an opponent’s attacks. If the gauge is fully depleted, a player will not be able to guard temporarily (Guard Break). Spiritual Power Gauge: Accumulated when attacking an opponent. The gauge is consumed to activate a Spiritual Pressure Move. Spiritual Pressure Move: Special actions that differ per character that includes empowered abilities, counter skills, etc. Hohô: Movement ability to quickly close the distance and get behind an opponent. Reverse Action: There are three types of Reverse Actions; Soul Reverse (increase Spiritual Power and recover Reishi), Chain Reverse (continue a combo and increase Spiritual Power), and Burst Reverse (cancel an opponent’s combo and recover Guard Gauge). Turn the tide of the battle To destroy the opponent’s Konpaku, players must either damage the Reishi gauge or, when the opponent’s remaining Reishi falls below 30%, activate a Kikon Move. Additionally, a Kikon Move can be triggered when the opponent is under Guard Break. However, if a player uses a Kikon Move in an ancillary manner, the number of Konpaku destroyed will be reduced. Players can damage an opponent’s Reishi Gauge in two ways, Quick Attack and Flash Attack. While both attacks can decrease an opponent’s Guard Gauge, Quick Attacks can be unleashed quicker and are used to easily accumulate Spiritual Power,while Flash Attacks inflict greater damage to Reishi. These attacks can also be used in succession as a combo, and using Hohô will extend the combo attacks. There are also other abilities like the Signature Move, a unique action which can be activated without consuming gauge, as well as a Spiritual Pressure Move, which can be activated with accumulated Spiritual Power. Strategically timing these skills will give a player the upper hand on their opponent. Along with basic abilities, players can activate the Awakening state in the form of signature Bleach skills like Shikai, Bankai, and Resurrección. Awakening can be activated when a player accumulates a certain amount of Fighting Spirit, enhancing a character’s abilities and Konpaku destruction power. Activating Awakening can be crucial in overturning the tide of the battle, bringing victory from the edge of defeat! Bleach Rebirth of Souls is coming to PS5 and PS4 on March 21, 2025. Pre-order the game today and receive the Toshiro Histugaya and Yoruichi Shihoin Thousand-Year Blood War costume set! View the full article

As we celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, I’m thrilled to introduce My First Gran Turismo, a special free-to-play invitation to dive into the exhilarating world of motorsports. This experience holds a special place in my heart, as it pays tribute to the origins of the first Gran Turismo, where players of all generations discovered the joys of driving. Whether it’s introducing kids to the joy of racing for the first time or reigniting a forgotten passion for driving, My First Gran Turismo was designed to be both approachable and immersive, created for everyone, with no limits on age or driving skill level. My First Gran Turismo will be available through PlayStation Store December 6 at 12:00am local time. Play Video This isn’t just about playing a game; it’s about embarking on a personal driving journey. We’ve made sure the experience is intuitive, allowing anyone to get behind the wheel and master the essentials, such as cornering, braking, and acceleration. By playing it, users will build confidence one lap at a time, tackling new challenges that’ll steadily refine their driving skills. Find the perfect line Set records, chase achievements, and take on a range of challenges. There are three Race Events, three Time Trials, three Music Rally stages, as well as a full suite of License Tests, all of which allow users to simply experience the thrill of driving. Embrace the diversity of the drive Included are 18 unique cars, each with its own personality. Players will drive them on iconic tracks that some Gran Turismo veterans may find nostalgic, namely the Kyoto Driving Park, Deep Forest Raceway, and Trial Mountain Circuit.  Full PlayStation VR2 Support (PS5 only) My First Gran Turismo also has full PlayStation VR2 support, allowing you to experience a whole new level of driving realism and highly immersive gameplay. Whether you’re here for the sheer joy of driving or on a quest to master your craft, My First Gran Turismo offers everything you need to elevate your skills while reveling in the thrill of motorsports. We can’t wait for everyone to experience My First Gran Turismo when it launches on December 6 on PS5 and PS4. View the full article